Coronavirus update: UK schools to close

Published by Ross Hindle on March 18th 2020, 5:05pm

Coronavirus cases across the world have passed 200,000, and in the UK, there have now been more than 100 deaths as of 6pm, 18th March. The youngest person to die from the virus in the UK so far was in his 40s.

At his daily briefing, the PM announced that schools across the country would be closing from Friday, with the exception of vulnerable children and those of key workers (such as delivery drivers, doctors and nurses) to ensure critical infrastructure can still run. Summer exams are also set to be cancelled.

Further news also followed on supermarket stocking plans, including announcement that chain Morrison's would be employing as many as 3,500 more staff to cope with the increased demand. 

In media, it was announced that many UK soaps - such as EastEnders, Coronation Street and Doctors - would all cease filming.

The BBC and ITV both announced they would be heavily restructuring their programming to focus on the impact of the virus and raise awareness.

Music festival Glastonbury has been postponed until 2021, and the Eurovision song contest has also been cancelled today.

According to the BBC, retail bosses have maintained that there is enough food in the supply chain for everyone, as long as people "only buy what they need".

EU border closures have come into effect today, with travellers from outside the bloc repeatedly being turned away. Within the EU, specifically in Poland, there are reports of border queues stretching on for kilometres to allow citizens to return home.

The next Leaders Council coronavirus update will follow tomorrow morning.

Share this article


Leaders of Great Britain

About Leaders of Great Britain

Leaders of Great Britain hosts a series of engaging events featuring prominent figures from the worlds of politics, sports, business, and entertainment. Our goal is for every attendee to leave these gatherings with profound leadership insights that transcend boundaries. Learn More.


Related Features


Authored By

Ross Hindle
Content Director
March 18th 2020, 5:05pm

Follow Us

Follow @LeadersGBNI on Twitter for more live updates

Share this article


Popular Features

FEATURES | Published October 7th 2024, 4:04 pm

Margaret Ollivier: Ensuring Respect and Inclusivity at Expect Ltd

FEATURES | Published September 16th 2024, 11:11 am

Andrew Martin: Steering the Course of Planning and Development

FEATURES | Published July 26th 2024, 7:07 am

Paul Bowley: Transforming Lives with Abbeycare Group

© Copyright 2024, Leaders of Great Britain.